The Griffon 500TD (previously 470TD) is a twin diesel-engined craft capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots (35 mph, 55kms/hr) designed for amphibious operations in protected waters. Seating 6-8 people, including the driver, or carrying a total of 470kgs (1036lbs) of payload, this highly manoeuvrable small hovercraft will operate where no boat can venture - over land, shallow water, sand banks, mud flats, ice, snow, rocks, weed, logs, debris and rapids. Conceived specifically for the RNLI (Royal National Life Boat Institute) as a search and rescue craft, where manoeuvrability in small, remote shallow waters is paramount, the 500TD is designed with a 'get-you-home' capability on only one engine. Like all Griffon Hovercraft, the 500TD is designed and built as a workboat, and several of these craft are working full-time for the RNLI based around the UK. However the many applications worldwide for these craft include virtually any role undertaken by a conventional workboat i.e. VIP transportation, crash rescue, survey, dredging and civil engineering support, military and paramilitary duties. Unlike a workboat however, the 500TD needs no piers, pontoons or deep water channels - it will operate from unprepared riverbanks, beaches and fields. This small unique twin diesel-engined craft is the most advanced hovercraft of its size available in the world today.